HAPPY HOLIDAYS
On Your Behalf
Page 1
Volume 2 ● Issue 4
HR
December 2009
ON YOUR BEHALF
The Official Newsletter of the Jefferson County Commission HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
CONGRATULATIONS MERIT SYSTEM EMPLOYEES
Certificate Programs
Holiday Stress
Health & Wellness
New Policies, New Leaves!
Christmas Safety
Personnelities
The Personnel Board Training
Birmingham
About the Programs
and Career Development DeNorman Adams, SUP
The Supervisory Certificate
partment announced that 23
Vickie Burnett, SUP
Program provides a foundation
Merit System employees sucof supervisory knowledge and
Horatio Johnson, SUP
cessfully completed certificate
skills applicable to a broad
Jennifer
McMillian,
CPU
programs, including the Superrange of positions. Supervisors
visory Certificate (SUP) and the Laquetta Postell, CPU & SUP
and supervisory candidates
Rodney Tait, SUP
Basic Computer Skills Certifishare knowledge and experiWillie Walker, SUP
cate (CPU). With the recent
ence, and gain exposure to new
termination of the Jefferson
Jefferson County
perspectives, attitudes & ideas.
County Commission Tuition
Toushi
Arbitelle,
CPU
Reimbursement Program, the
The Basic Computer Skills ProTimothy Gilliland, SUP
Board’s certificate programs are
gram provides the foundation of
ideal for employees interested Christopher Griffin, SUP & CPU computer skills for Basic MiVeronica Hambric, CPU
in continuing career developcrosoft Word, Excel and PowerClifford Hopson, SUP
ment. Utilizing the services of
Point. Electives are also availthe Personnel Board provides a LaTonya Samuel, SUP & CPU able. Participants must also
benefit that is incumbent in the
Rebecca Snoddy, SUP
take a typing test and be able to
funding the County allocates to Letitia Taylor, SUP & CPU
type 45 words per minute.
the Board annually. HR is exJoseph White, SUP
cited that Jeffco employees are Marsha Wright-Carter, SUP For more info, visit the Persontaking advantage of the training
nel Board website at
offered by the Board and even Jefferson County Health Dept www.pbjcal.org or call
more proud of the recent gradu(205) -279-3660.
Mary Hendking, SUP
ates. HR Congratulates You!
Lisa Holland, SUP
Bessemer
Wishing you a happy and safe
Brenda Harris, CPU
holiday season from the JefferPersonnel Board
Cortice Miles, SUP
son County Commission HuJeffrey Crenshaw, SUP
Tarrant
man Resources Department.
William Harris, SUP
ATTENTION
COUNTY EMPLOYEES:
Please remember that the
Jefferson County Commission
is under a Consent Decree. The decree prohibits
discrimination against blacks
and females which is also contrary to the County's antiharassment policy. Please
contact your affirmative action officer, Kimberly Webster or Ben Sullen (325-5249),
if you have concerns or issues regarding discrimination. You may also review the
Consent Decree at your affirmative action officer’s office located in the Main
Courthouse Annex - A630.
Jefferson County Commission
follows all applicable local, state,
and federal laws
concerning equal employment
opportunity without regard to race,
color, creed, sex, religious
beliefs, national origin, age, or
disability. Further, Jefferson
County Commission will not
discriminate based on genetic or
family medical history.
Dealing with HOLIDAY STRESS…….
Yeah, yeah, heard it all before, right? We sometimes put extra demands on ourselves during the
holiday season, which can lead to stress. The holidays should be a time for renewal.
Keep It Simple - family and guests will appreciate a traditional holiday meal, it does not have to be
elaborate and expensive.
Priorities, Priorities, Priorities!
Try not to overextend yourself, when allotting your time, chose quality over quantity. Learn to say
no to social events that are over your limit.
Plan Ahead
Nothing creates holiday stress more than LAST Minute Shopping! ENOUGH SAID……….
Stay in Budget
Choose simple, thoughtful or useful holiday gifts over expensive surprises. How can you enjoy
your holidays if you are worried about paying your bills????
Jefferson County Commission Human Resources Department
716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., A610 Courthouse, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: 205-325-5249 ▪ Fax: 205-325-5598 ▪ email: [email protected]
On Your Behalf
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Page 2
HEALTH & WELLNESS - H1N1 Virus
The H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, continues to be in the news. Although it has been reported that the number of cases in the
United States is dropping, let’s not get lax in prevention. It is easy to worry amid the various and sometimes disturbing reports, but
knowing the facts about the virus can help reduce your worry. The information below is provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield - For
Your HEALTH!
What is H1N1?
An influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April of 2009. The
virus is spread in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. The Centers for Disease Control has determined
that the H1N1 virus is contagious and can spread from person to person. Illness with the H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe;
most people who have been infected have recovered without needing medical treatment.
What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or
stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some may experience diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms usually appear
about two to seven days after exposure. People generally can spread flu viruses from one to two days before symptoms start to about
seven days after. Women who are pregnant or suspect they are, and children under the age of five should seek medical help immediately if they experience these symptoms.
How can it be prevented?
• Wash your hands frequently, if soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Clean germ hot spots like tables, doorknobs, desks and kitchen counters with a disinfectant.
• Keep your immune system strong with regular sleep and lots of fruits and vegetables.
• If you know anyone who is or has been sick, stay away from them. If you are sick, STAY AT HOME!
• Cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw your used tissues in the trash instead of stuffing them in your pocket.
• Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, which gives germs a fast track to infection.
• Do not share cups, utensils and plates with friends.
What is the difference between the H1N1 virus and the seasonal flu virus?
The H1N1 virus is caused by influenza viruses that normally infect pigs. The virus causing the current influenza outbreak is not a
swine flu virus but a combination of human, swine and bird viruses. The flu virus causing the current outbreak has adapted itself to
be easily transmitted from person to person. Swine in the United States have not been and are not infected with this virus.
NEW POLICIES, NEW LEAVES!
HR (Compliance & Technology Division) wants to make you aware of the following recent developments in federal employment
law:
First: Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act ("GINA") went into effect on November 21, 2009. GINA prohibits
employers from acquiring or using genetic information; genetic information includes genetic tests and family medical history in employment decisions such as hiring, promotions, benefits, etc. The requirement that EEO postings reference GINA went into effect on
November 21st and the EEOC has issued its new EEO poster to include GINA (as well as to address some other recent changes); you
can see the poster here: http://www.eeoc.gov/self_print_poster.pdf. "Genetic or family medical history" is an additional base upon
which Jefferson County Commission will not discriminate.
Second: Just when we got a handle on the new FMLA regulations, we have more changes – but they really shouldn’t upset the apple
cart too much. On October 28, 2009, President Obama signed a defense bill into law that provides further expansions to the new
military leaves under the FMLA. Under the new law, “qualifying exigency” leave is now available to active duty members of the
regular military. Qualifying exigency leave was previously available only to families of members of the National Guard and Reserves. The law also extends caregiver leave to family members of veterans, where it was previously available only to family members of current service members. HR is working towards revising the FMLA policy to address these changes, and supervisors and
managers will be trained so that they can spot potential FMLA leave issues.
On Your Behalf
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Page 3
SAFETY & YOU - HOLIDAY SAFETY
Christmas Tree and Decoration Safety
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When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” Although this
label does not mean the tree will not catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning
and should extinguish quickly.
When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard
to pull from the branches and when bent between fingers, needles do not break.
Use only noncombustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Leaded materials
are hazardous if ingested by children. Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable or
resembles candy or food to prevent a child from swallowing or inhaling small pieces.
Indoors or outside, always use lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized
testing laboratory.
Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires,
or loose connections. Throw out aged sets.
Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.
Fireplace Safety
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Use care with “fire salts,” which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires.
They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting
if eaten. Keep them away from children.
Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result, as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
Before lighting any fire, remove all greenery, boughs, papers, and other decorations from
around fireplace. Check to see if flue is open.
Never burn a live tree in a fireplace. Dry Christmas trees burn very hot and extremely
quick. A Christmas tree is very oily and may damage your fireplace.
HOLIDAY RECIPE
Blue Berry Yum Yum
2 c. plain flour
2 sticks melted margarine
1 c. pecans, chopped
1 8oz pkg. cream cheese
1 box confectioners sugar
1 pkg. of Cool Whip
1 can of blueberry pie filling
Mix flour, margarine and pecans and pack in a Pyrex dish
for crust. Bake 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Mix
cream cheese, confectioners
sugar and cool whip. Pour
onto pie crust. Add blueberry
filling (or your favorite pie
filling) on top. Chill for 2
hours & serve. Keep refrigerated.
Personnelities…..Inside the Personalities of our Personnel
Jason Moss, no relation to Randy Moss, but is a big LSU football fan, is in our Personnelities Spotlight!!! We enjoy visiting and learning about our Jefferson County locations and employees and this
Sr. Auto Tech in the Fleet Management Department made our visit a great one.
Mr. Moss has been employed by Jefferson County for 14 years, all in the Fleet Management Department. He began on tires, then worked in the back on cars, compressors and big trucks, now he
mainly handles preventive maintenance and inventory inspections.
Mike McDermott, Mr. Moss’ supervisor, could not say enough about Mr. Moss’ work ethic and
character. Mr. McDermott commented that Mr. Moss goes above and beyond without being asked,
and often finds issues before they become problems. Mr. Moss stated that his work philosophy is to
always be a self starter. Mr. McDermott added that Mr. Moss is a great dad and a good friend, who
understands how to separate the supervisor/employee relationship.
Mr. Moss enjoys working on cars and he has a need for speed. He loves fast cars! Mr. Moss also
enjoys watching sports and going to church. He has one 19 year old son. Mr. Moss named Martin
Luther King Jr., Medgar Evers, Bill Clinton and Mike McDermott as 4 people past or present whom
he’d like to have dinner with.
Mr. Jason Moss
Sr. Auto Tech
Roads & Transportation
Fleet Management
Our visit ended with a short tour of the shop. Many thanks to Mr. Moss & Mr. McDermott.
While the HR department attempts to review and monitor the contents of the submissions in the personal sections of its newsletter, the views expressed in the
personal sections (which may include Your Voice, Personnelities and HR Corner) are the personal views of county employees and are not necessarily the views
of the Jefferson County Commission, the Human Resources Department, its staff or employees. Concerns regarding material on these pages may be
addressed to [email protected].